Healthy Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat

On a hot summer day, nothing’s quite as tempting as a frozen treat. While an ice cream or popsicle now and then will hit the spot, there are healthier ways to go about cooling down.

For example, these frosty treat options from SVMC’s dining kitchen manager Russell Carrier are perfect for breaking the heat without derailing your healthy eating goals.

Frozen Yogurt Bark

► Spread Greek yogurt on a baking sheet.

► Top with fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey.

► Freeze until firm, then break into pieces.

Enjoy immediately or store pieces in a zip-seal bag in the freezer and indulge all summer long.

Banana Nice Cream

► Peel and slice a banana into pieces.

► Place slices in the freezer until frozen solid.

► Place frozen banana slices in the blender and blend until smooth.

► Add in flavors of your choosing like cocoa powder, peanut butter, or vanilla extract.

► Serve immediately or freeze for a firmer texture.

Fruit Popsicles

► Blend your favorite fruits with a little water or coconut water.

► Pour into popsicle molds and freeze.

► Try combinations like mango-lime, strawberry-basil, or watermelon-mint.

Frozen Grapes

► Simply freeze grapes for a refreshing and simple treat.

Yogurt-Covered Blueberries

► Dip blueberries in Greek yogurt.

► Place on a baking sheet and freeze.

► Store in a freezer bag for a quick snack.

Avocado Chocolate Pudding Pops

► Blend ripe avocado with cocoa powder, a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and a splash of almond milk.

► Pour into popsicle molds and freeze.

Coconut Water Ice Cubes

► Freeze coconut water in ice cube trays with pieces of fruit or herbs like mint.

► Use in drinks or enjoy as a snack on their own.

Russell Carrier is the nutrition and dinning kitchen manager at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center